Contemporary Problems Seminar

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• Co-create a culture of mutual questioning, reflection, and community, cultivating a safe and brave space for dialogue.

• Engage in conversations that surface the relational and communicative dimensions of applied educational research.

• Share and reflect on professional identities, experiences, and lessons learned, treating each as a source of insight for the group.

• Develop mindsets, habits, and skills that support OAERS work and the practice of educational research, measurement, and evaluation as graduate students and emerging professionals.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Attendance, active participation, preparation, and professionalism	100%

Attendance/Participation:

Because the OAERS Seminar is designed to promote professional development, scholarly engagement, and participation in the academic community, grades are based primarily on attendance, active participation, preparation, and professionalism. Students are expected to attend all seminar sessions, engage constructively in discussions and activities, and demonstrate professional behavior consistent with graduate study. Attendance alone does not guarantee a satisfactory grade; students must also contribute meaningfully to the seminar environment.

This course uses an A/B/F framework based on attendance, participation, preparation and professionalism expectations:

A (Exceeds/Meets Expectations)

• Attends all seminar sessions, with no more than one excused absence.

• Participates regularly and meaningfully in discussions and activities.

• Demonstrates professionalism, preparation, and respectful engagement with peers, faculty, and guest speakers.

• Completes any required seminar reflections or assignments.

• Completes the OAERS Contract and the Graduate Assistant (GA) Review Process with their supervisor(s).

B (Satisfactory but Inconsistent)

• Has more than one absence or multiple late arrivals.

• Participation is inconsistent or primarily passive.

• Demonstrates occasional lapses in preparation or professionalism.

Below B (Unsatisfactory)

• Frequent absences or tardiness.

• Minimal participation or engagement.

• Failure to meet expectations for professionalism or required seminar activities.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required.